middlemonk

…but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.

— Genesis 4:5.

The first act of violence in the Bible — or perhaps the second, if we’re counting God’s vengeance against Eve — and I’m conflicted. Again the Old Testament God rears His head and teaches an admittedly valuable lesson through punishment and permanent suffering. I think this is going to be something of a theme for me as we read the Pentateuch: watching helplessly as our Old God punishes his flock and waiting desperately for the New one to arrive.

I also wonder if God deliberately gave Cain the reason (or simply the space) to kill Abel, and allowed all this to happen. From what I remember of my earlier readings, God in the Old Testament is quite reactive and willing to let people learn their lessons the hard way, rather than intervening.

At that time people began to invoke the name of the Lord.

— Genesis 4:26.

The Book is moving faster now. In a single chapter we’ve gone from two people to hundreds; cities are being built and persons are becoming peoples. I wish I could read the intricate details for every son and daughter of Eve, but again I suppose I must take it as read and appreciate the mystery. Onward!